Michael Atherton, the veteran analyst for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that England’s women’s side possesses the quality and depth required to mount a serious challenge for the Women's T20 World Cup when it returns to English soil this summer. Although the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 crown since they hosted the tournament in 2009, and their recent outings have been disappointing – exiting at the group stage in both 2010 and again in 2024 – there are several reasons to be optimistic about a turnaround.
The last major ICC triumph for England’s women came in 2017, when they won the 50‑over World Cup on home ground. Since then, the senior team has struggled to replicate that success across formats, prompting a period of introspection and restructuring. Head coach Charlotte Edwards is set to unveil the official squad for the 2026 edition on Tuesday, and despite the turbulence of recent years, Atherton is confident that the revamped group can place itself among the tournament favourites.
"It was a long time ago, but the previous time the tournament was held here England won it, so there’s that natural home advantage," Atherton explained. "At the same time, playing at home brings added scrutiny, pressure and expectations – it’s a double‑edged sword." Atherton highlighted the transformation within the camp: "England have terrific players. They’re under new management, a new captain, and a new coach. Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled – I have no doubt about that.
They have plenty of strength in depth and a handful of world‑class performers, so they should be in the mix." He went on to note the increasingly competitive landscape of women’s cricket. "It’s a hard tournament to predict. The standard across the board is improving all the time, making it more competitive. Australia will undoubtedly be a very tough opponent, but England, with the home advantage and a solid core, should be in the shake‑up." When asked which players could make the biggest impact, Atherton named captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure.
"The captain is a driving force, especially in a home tournament where the pressure and expectation are high. Nat is not only a leader but also one of the best players in the world." He also pointed to opening bowler Lauren Bell, whose ability to extract movement with the new ball in English conditions could prove decisive. "Finding that early swing is crucial, and Lauren has the skill set to do it," Atherton said. A young talent who caught his eye last season in The Hundred is Devina Perrin.
After smashing a brilliant century at The Oval in the eliminator – the match before the final – Perrin announced her arrival on the big stage. "I expect to see a player like her say, ‘This is my time,’ and deliver when it matters most," Atherton added.
England’s own Heather Knight, speaking to Sky Sports, emphasized the broader ambition of creating a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in the country. She noted how the sporting landscape has shifted dramatically since the 2017 World Cup victory, citing the Lionesses’ back‑to‑back European Championships in 2022 and 2025 – the latter played in front of a sold‑out Wembley – and the Red Roses’ Rugby World Cup win at a packed Twickenham in September. "The focus now is women’s cricket at the World Cup, and it’s incredibly exciting.
It’s a chance for us to do something special as a side," Knight said. "Home support was huge for us in 2017 – the crowds, the atmosphere at Lord’s – it was super special." Knight stressed that a successful tournament could cement a legacy that inspires the next generation. "If we do our job right and succeed this summer, we can leave a real legacy for women’s cricket in England. The sport has changed – the domestic structure is professional, visibility is higher, and it’s becoming normal for a girl to play cricket at the highest level." She added that the infrastructure now exists to capitalise on any success: "We want to emulate what the Lionesses and Red Roses have achieved, and hopefully inspire girls to see cricket as a normal, great pathway." In summary, while England’s women’s team has faced setbacks in recent World Cups, the combination of home advantage, a refreshed leadership group, and a blend of experienced stars and emerging talent gives them a credible shot at the 2026 title.
The tournament promises to be a showcase of the rapid evolution of women’s cricket, with England positioned to not only compete but also to potentially set a new benchmark for the sport’s growth and popularity across the nation.